Hello to Amber, one of the bloggers trying out for a spot on the Re-Nest editorial team. Comments are welcome!
When we saw this bamboo structure a few years ago at a self-sustaining cooperative called Rancho Mastatal, near La Cangreja National Park in Costa Rica, we thought it might be just a Swiss Family Robinson idealist's dream. At the time, making living quarters out of highly renewable resources seemed a little bit old-school and a little bit unreasonable. We unearthed this photo, though, and were immediately inspired.
Now, sustainable buildings are popping up all over the place. And while they may not be as open-air as this one, they incorporate nature and eco-friendliness at every turn.
We rent an apartment, so we have nothing we can remodel—but we're rethinking all the ways that small sustainable choices can make an appearance: a bamboo drying rack, a hemp hammock on the back porch, even recycled water bottles turned into drip irrigation systems.
What ways have you delved into the eco-friendly building challenges?
More info: Rancho Mastatal
-Amber
Wow. That is a very inspiring photo. I really like the way it looks easy to get around the tree house. I wish we could all live in those. I live in Austin Texas and wish we had even more or the green movement here. Keep up the great work.
view roundabout12's profile
That's a great use of bamboo, I'm inspired! I think it would be a great material for a small fence or maybe a bike shelter. There's someone here locally on Craigslist who offered to let folks cut what they needed from his yard, as long as they don't make a mess.
view ttbj's profile
Wow! At first I thought, you know...a Texan wouldn't be able to survive in this with all the random weather changes, but then I thought...Costa Rica has rainy seasons and they survive.
How wonderful. I am still learning on ways to be eco-friendly, so this gives me a brand new outlook.
Great blog!
view ALB220's profile
What a great setup. Simplicity to this degree is absolutely divine. While I can greatly appreciate enjoying the outdoors and the openness this offers, how would one watch Longhorn football?
view mrhankhill's profile